Report: Phil Jackson told Derrick Rose of plans to pursue Kevin Durant
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson’s offseason is just getting started, and he reportedly has big plans beyond acquiring Derrick Rose.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Jackson told the newly-acquired Rose of his plans to pursue Kevin Durant once free agency kicks off on July 1. The Rose trade, it is believed, was a bid to acquire a star player to entice Durant into giving the Knicks a look.
The thinking is that a roster with Rose, Carmelo Anthony, and Kristaps Porzingis would be a more attractive proposition for Durant, in addition to all the advantages that would come with playing in the Big Apple.
It remains to be seen how much this will interest Durant, if at all. So far, though, he’s said little to indicate that New York would be high on the list of choices. Durant says he is emphasizing basketball reasons over anything else, which, if true, probably means he won’t care as much about the visibility of New York if the team isn’t up to par. He also reportedly ruled out the Knicks months ago. This looks like the longest of longshots for Jackson and the Knicks.
